2025: Bauchi Assembly passes two executive bills for second reading

The Bauchi State House of Assembly on Thursday began its 2025 legislative session with a speedy momentum, passing two executive bills for a second reading.

The Assembly, presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman, with a full quorum of 23 members, immediately set the machinery in motion to address key issues that would lay the groundwork for a transformative year.

During the plenary session, the Assembly considered the two executive bills sent in by the executive arm and passed them for a second reading.

The bills are: a bill on the framework guiding the proposed Local Government Administration Law 2025 and another on The Bauchi State Economic Planning Law 2025.

On the Local Government Administration Bill, the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Hon. Sale Hodi Jibir, emphasized that the framework aims to ensure clarity, structure, and mechanisms for the effective functioning of local government councils in the state.

He noted that the proposed law would foster uniformity, promote good governance, enhance citizen participation, and strengthen institutional frameworks, creating a solid foundation for sustainable local governance.

Speaking on the Economic Planning Bill, Hon. Jibir highlighted its role in ensuring seamless service delivery and effective administration within local governments.

According to him, the bill would establish a roadmap for economic development, aligning with the state’s broader vision for growth and prosperity.

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After robust deliberations, the House resolved to refer both bills to the Committees on Finance, Local Government, and Chieftaincy Affairs for further legislative scrutiny.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman, directed the committees to submit their reports within one month, ensuring the momentum of legislative activities is maintained.

In addition to the legislative process, the House also addressed other significant matters, including the approval of the Votes and Proceedings of December 24, 2024, after a motion by the Majority Leader, seconded by the Minority Leader, Hon. Bala Abdu Rishi.

There was communication from the Governor requesting the House to resolve on the appointment of Alh. Abdu Hardawa as Permanent Commissioner II of the Bauchi State Assembly Service Commission, which was approved.

Under Matters of Urgent Public Importance, the ongoing strike by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of tertiary institutions was brought to the fore by Hon. Dr. Nasiru Ahmed Alan, Chairman of the House Committee on Education.

He called for urgent intervention to address the strike, which has paralyzed academic activities in key institutions across the state.

The House resolved to convene a stakeholders’ meeting immediately and establish a mediation committee to ensure a prompt resolution.

Before the House adjourned to January 7, 2025, the legislators reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively for the betterment of Bauchi State, determined to leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of impactful governance.